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UNEP, PRI and ICMM Launch Tailings Institute

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NordSIP (Stockholm) – Following the announcement of its creation in 2023, the UN Environmental Programme (UN EP) reported the launch of the Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI), on January 21st. The GTMI is an independent, South-Africa-based multi-stakeholder governed organisation dedicated to improving the safety of mine tailings facilities worldwide.

In the Shadow of Brumadinho

The institute was created as a response to the 2019 Brumadinho tailings accident in a mine owned by Vale in Minas Gerais, Brazil, which claimed the life of 270 people. The GTMI was founded by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The GTMI will oversee the implementation of, and conformance with, the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

Based in South Africa, the GTMI will drive the responsible management of tailings facilities throughout their lifecycle. The goal is to achieve zero harm to people and the environment, by overseeing an independent assessment process through which tailings facilities will be audited and certified.

“The devastating Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil which killed 272 people in 2019 was a stark wake-up call for the entire industry and marked the beginning of a vital journey to make these facilities safer for people and the environment. ICMM, UNEP and PRI convened the Global Tailings Review shortly after, and in August 2020 we published the GISTM. The establishment of the institute is the next transformative step. As a non-profit, multi-stakeholder governed initiative, we believe it will provide communities, investors and the mining industry with confidence that effective measures are being put in place to prevent future failures,” said Aidan Davy, Co-COO of ICMM.

The GTMI

The GISTM requires mining operators to take responsibility and prioritise the safety of tailings facilities. The GTMI is responsible for managing the assurance framework through which tailings facilities will be audited and certified against this Standard, by qualified, independent third-party assessors.

The core function of the GTMI is The management of the assurance framework will be achieved by raising awareness and encouraging the adoption of the GISTM, sharing knowledge and best practices for responsible tailings management, and transparently disclosing auditing outcomes.

“The GTMI is a vital part of the global architecture to deliver the goal of zero harm to people and the environment from tailings dams. The GISTM’s credibility lies in the confidence of all stakeholders in the conformance status of tailings facilities. Updates will be made to the GISTM as lessons are learned from implementation, and public disclosure of auditing outcomes will ensure that interested parties are always kept informed,” said Adam Matthews, Chief Responsible Investment Officer at The Church of England Pensions Board, representing the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

The Path Ahead

Following its launch, the GTMI’s priority is to elect a board of directors who will represent the entire ecosystem of communities and industries impacted by tailings facilities. The co-convenors are inviting applications from the mining industry, potentially affected communities, indigenous peoples, the investment community, the insurance and banking industries, technical and academic community, environmental experts, mining workforce, and regulatory authorities.

Once the board is in place, the GTMI will recruit a CEO and Chief Technical Officer who will establish a committee to oversee all technical matters. Independent auditors will also be recruited, trained, and accredited to evaluate and certify tailings facilities.

“UNEP is working towards making the mining and metals value chain more sustainable and to minimise its impact on the environment and human health”, said Elisa Tonda, Chief, Resources and Markets at UNEP. “The multi-stakeholder governance of the GTMI is critical to ensure transparency, accountability and ultimately build trust among all actors, which will contribute to a more responsible mining sector,” Tonda added.

All mining companies are invited to become signatories of the GISTM and agree to independent auditing and certification. Becoming a signatory will not only demonstrate a commitment to responsible tailings management, but can help strengthen relationships with regulators and affected communities, boost investor confidence, and potentially provide access to preferred insurance coverage.

 

Image courtesy of NGI

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